Republicans and Democrats traditionally gather under the Gold Dome two days after the election to choose new leaders but there might be a blip this year.

House Democrats are debating whether to hold off, saying the outcomes of certain races are so close that clerks might have to go through provisional and military ballots to declare a winner. (Adams County didn’t even release its vote-center results until tonight.)

But House Republicans say unofficial initial returns show them leading Democrats 33-32 and they are holding their elections Thursday. Frank McNulty of Highlands Ranch is expected to become speaker, while Amy Stephens of Monument is in line to become majority leader.

Senate Democrats and Republicans also are meeting to pick leaders. Dems appeared to have kept the majority.

Whichever party wins the majority gets to nominate a speaker (in the House) and a president (in the Senate.) Democrats have held the majorities in the Senate and House for the last six years.

The latest numbers drop from Adams County didn’t help the Democratic cause much. Democrats thought Rep. Dianne Primavera of Broomfield would pick up more votes, tightening the contest between her and Republican Don Beezley, but he actually extended his lead.

A number of legislative contests are close, with 200 to 300 votes between the Democrat and the Republican. Those running in second are hoping that provisional and other ballots will put them over the top.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.